KUCHING: The public has been advised to take precautions during the current hazy conditions in Sarawak.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said that while the haze this time was not as severe compared to previous occasions, the impact of the El Nino phenomenon must be considered.
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“Now we are affected because of El Nino, so we need to be vigilant. Hopefully the situation is temporary,” he told reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony at a hospital here yesterday.
Abang Johari added that the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chaired by Deputy Premier Datuk Douglas Uggah would coordinate the state government’s response to the situation.
Nine areas in Sarawak recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings yesterday, with Serian recording the highest reading of 185 at 5pm.
This was followed by Samarahan at 167 and Kuching at 165, while the other areas were Mukah (157), Sibu (156), Samalaju (153), Bintulu and Sarikei (152 for both) and Sri Aman (144).
Meanwhile, Deputy Premier Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian called on the public to adhere to any guidelines issued by SDMC, where outdoor activities should be stopped once the API reaches very unhealthy levels of 200 and above.
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“It’s important for everyone to know what the healthy and unhealthy levels are.
“Once it reaches certain levels, SDMC will make an announcement, and the public should abide by it for their own health,” he told reporters at the same event.
However, Dr Sim advised those with respiratory illnesses such as asthma to refrain from outdoor activities immediately and to stay well hydrated.
“This is not the first time we have had haze. Unfortunately, we cannot choose the situation, and it may get worse due to climate change,” he added.
Meanwhile, Bernama reported that all schools in Sarawak have been urged to monitor the API in their respective areas.
The Sarawak Education Department (JPNS) said all educational institutions under its purview had been instructed to postpone outdoor activities if the weather was too hot.
It said in areas where API readings exceeded 100, all outdoor activities involving students must be suspended.
“Educational institutions must stay updated on developments through the media regarding the haze situation in their respective areas or districts, and comply with the recommendations of the Health Ministry from time to time,” said JPNS in a statement yesterday.
The department also advised students to wear face masks and drink enough water to regulate their body temperature.
